Easy to Make DIY Wool Dryer Balls
If you’re looking for a natural way to make your laundry routine more environmentally conscious and cost-effective, wool dryer balls are the answer. About 5 years ago, we made the switch from dryer sheets to wool dryer balls and haven’t looked back. So, I’m a big fan of these little laundry helpers for so many reasons.
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In this Post:
The Benefits of Using Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are soft, felted balls made from 100% natural wool that you toss into the dryer with your clothes.
During the drying cycle, the balls bounce around, helping to lift and separate the laundry and absorb excess water. This allows air to circulate more effectively, cutting down on drying time and static cling.
Reduce Drying Time and Utility Bills: By helping laundry dry faster, wool dryer balls can cut down on energy usage by your dryer.
Sensitive Skin Friendly: Unlike a dryer sheet, which contains synthetic fragrances and chemicals, a wool dryer ball is 100% natural.
Static Reducer: The wool used to make the balls is a natural conductor, helping to reduce static cling on clothes.
Soften Fabrics Naturally: The gentle tumbling action of the balls helps to soften fabrics without using harsh chemicals.
Long-Lasting: Well-cared for wool dryer balls can last for years, making them an eco-friendly, budget-friendly choice. They will last for about 1000 loads of laundry.
Customizable Scent: You can lightly scent dryer balls with your favorite essential oil blends. (Coming soon: Dryer Ball Essential Oil Blends)
Make Your Own Wool Dryer Balls
You can easily make your own reusable wool dryer balls at home with just a few supplies. I’ve made these on road trips or while watching a movie with the family.
What You’ll Need:
- 100% wool yarn in your desired color
- Pair of scissors
- Crochet hook (or latch hook tool)
- Nylon stocking (knee-highs work great)
NOTE: Your yarn must be 100% wool (or Alpaca or even Llama!). A blend of fibers won’t felt. I’ve had success with fisherman’s wool and worsted wool. Do not use “superwash” or “machine washable” wool.
Instructions
- Each skein of wool yarn (465 yards) should make 3 balls.
- Start by wrapping the yarn around your fingers 10-15 times to form the center of the ball.
- Continue wrapping the yarn in crisscross patterns until the ball reaches your desired size—about the size of a tennis ball.
- Cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail.
- Feed the crochet hook or latch rug hook through the edge of the ball and pull the free tail into the ball. You may need to do this several time to secure the entire tail.
- Repeat until you have used all the yarn and created 3 dryer balls.
- Run each ball quickly under water, then scrunch between your hands working all the way around each ball.
- Slip the dryer balls into the leg of a clean, but disposable, nylon stocking, tying a knot between each ball.
- Run the balls through a hot wash cycle. This will felt the wool, creating a solid ball.
- Put them in your dryer on high heat (only for felting).
- Then run the balls through another hot wash and hot dry cycle.
- Remove the dryer balls from the nylons. They are now ready for use!
- Every month or two put each in its own lingerie bag and run through a hot water wash (no detergent) and high heat dry.
No Time to Make Your Own?
Give Plant Therapy’s wool dryer balls a try. Made from 100% New Zealand wool, these are a great alternative to the DIY version. Get the 6-pack direct from Plant Therapy or through their Amazon store. Plant Therapy’s Amazon store carries a kit that includes their Sparkling Laundry essential oil blends.
Using Your Wool Dryer Balls
I find 4-6 dryer balls with each load is best. Toss the balls into the dryer with your clothes then dry as usual.
Want to scent your wool dryer balls? Simply add 1-2 drops of your desired essential oil blend to each ball. Give the essential oils a few minutes to absorb before you toss the balls in the dryer. The heat from the dryer will gently release the aroma onto your laundry. (Check out part 2: Dryer Ball Essential Oil Blends!)
Making the switch to using wool dryer balls is an easy, eco-friendly way to elevate your laundry routine. Your clothes will feel softer, and you’ll be doing your part for the planet!
Would you like to see a video of me making these balls? Comment below!
Mom’s Shopping List
This is where you can get each of the items to make your wool dryer balls.
- Fisherman’s Wool Yarn – This is 100% wool and very soft.
- All-Purpose Scissors – If your house is like mine, scissors are constantly going missing, so these are an inexpensive way to ensure I always have a pair on-hand. They’re great for cutting culinary herbs, too!
- Crochet Hooks – The smaller size crochet hook (3.5mm) is easiest to feed through the final ball.
- Latch Hook – I have one of these for latch hooking and it’s a good alternative to the crochet hook.
- Knee-high stockings – TBH, I pick up a box of “No Nonsense” stockings at our local dollar store for craft projects like this.
Chris P | Writer, Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skin Care Formulator
Chris (“Mom”) enjoys formulating bespoke aromatherapy, skin care, and herbal products to support her family, pets, friends, and clients. She also loves experimenting with recipes in the kitchen. An avid reader, writer, and lifetime learner, Chris enthusiastically explores research rabbit holes and then writes about her discoveries.💚 (Learn more >>)
